Anorexia Nervosa & Tango: Minuchin & Argentina

Argentina is famous for its Tango:

 

© Am Ang Zhang 2010

What about Anorexia Nervosa?

Alert readers would have noted a number of Anorexia Nervosa cases on this blog and in my book, The Cockroach Catcher and that Minuchin’s name has indeed been mentioned.

Regardless of what present day psychiatrists (and that includes those dealing with Anorexia Nervosa, Minuchin have in one way or another inspired us in our dealings with Anorexia Nervosa and of course families in general.

He has inspired me the most in my work with families and with anorexia Nervosa in particular.

He was born in Argentina and soon served in the Israeli army before continuing his training including that of psychoanalysis in New York. It may be of interest to readers that the new generation of psychiatrists including those in the US were no longer brought up in psychoanalysis and with that they have little understanding of both the personal psyche and the family dynamics that we grew up in. Of course psychoanalysis has its many faults but to totally dismiss it is very sad for mankind.

Minuchin above all helped me in my understanding of family dynamics and in turn in my personal dealings with problem families and Anorexia Nervosa.

Minuchin has recognized a group of family system characteristics that reflect the family dynamics of patients with anorexia nervosa:

Enmeshment:

This is a transactional style where family members are highly involved with one another. There is excessive togetherness, intrusion on other's thoughts, feelings and actions, lack of privacy, and weak family boundaries. Members often speak for one another, and perception of the self and other family members is poorly differentiated. A child growing up in this type of family learns that family loyalty is of primary importance. This pattern of interaction hinders separation and individuation later in life.

Overprotectiveness:

This refers to the excessive nurturing and protective responses commonly observed. How can the psychiatrist begin to argue against such a good trait! Pacifying behaviors and somatization are prevalent.

Rigidity:

These families are heavily committed to maintaining the status quo. The need for change is denied, thereby preserving accustomed patterns of interaction and behavioral mechanisms. Rigidity is commonly observed in the family cycle during periods of natural change where accommodation is necessary for proper growth and development. You must have seen families where for every single day of the week they eat the same meal year in year out.

Avoidance of conflict/ conflict resolution:

Family members have a low tolerance for overt conflict, and discussions involving differences of opinion are avoided at all costs. Problems are often left unresolved and are prolonged by avoidance maneuvers. Everyone would come up with a highly believable excuse. After all everyone is very clever!

Apart from classical Autism, parents of many sufferers of Anorexia Nervosa are amongst the most successful in their own profession. Many are CEOs of major corporations including Hospital Trusts and PCTs. Minuchin’s powerful understanding of the family dynamics has allowed me to navigate the very difficult terrain. More so than trying to learn Tango!